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Orientation Minus the Orienting

2/17/2014

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I got up in time after a long restful sleep to attempt a "shower" which means turning the heater on for 5 min then filling a bucket with hot water.  I tried that and ended up filling my bucket with luke warmish cold water instead.  It still worked the same just not quite as enjoyable, it actually felt kind of nice given it's warm here. I used my new bug soap bar and even a shampoo bar both of which I am impressed with how well they worked.  I barely got out of the shower and dressed before there was a knock on my door.  There was coffee waiting for me and breakfast soon after.  The coffee here is sweet sweet sweet especially for a girl who is used to black coffee.  Breakfast was made american style and consisted of scrambled eggs and french toast. Both were again sweet but delicious. I appreciate the gesture towards familiar foods.  The awkward thing was that I was sitting at the table alone and hosts just stand there watching me. I guess they want to make sure I am enjoying to food, I'm just not used to all the attention.  I finished getting ready then it was time for the introductions to begin.  

I was to meet the medical superintendent of the hospital and some other staff.  It was a strange encounter because the medical superintendent  wasn't sure what role I am to play.  It was like this was suppose to be planned out for me not the other way around.  He didn't even know I was a resident.  I had to write out a mini resume for him to get that I graduated from medical school.  Then off to the wards which was a bit scary at first, I'm not going to lie.  

The assistant professor who picked me up spoke English to me which was great.  The only problem with that is she doesn't speak English to others so I still have very little clue what is going on.  The carts are written in English which allows me to under stand what has happened to the patient's at least.  I can figure out the general disease and treatment plan.This afternoon was pretty much just watching and observing how things worked.  

Patients are divided man and woman then admitted to the appropriate gender specific unit. We were a general medicine woman only ward.  There are just single beds lined up in rows with small stools next to the beds.  The stools are for patient attendants which are comprised mostly of the patient's families.  The attendents are not employed by the hospital and are relied on for the patient's basic care including toileting, bathing, feeding, walking, ect.  When the doctors see the patient they give the attendants a prescription which they then have to take to the pharmacy to get it filled, cost paid up front.  The attendants are the physical therapists, the nursing assistants, and the patient advocates.  The "orders" placed in the morning are recommendations for the attendants.  That being said there is a woman who from what I gather is employed by the hospital.  She is in charge of sweeping the concrete floors then mopping them with a rag.  The floors are clean after she is finished.

Orientation was a world wind of activity and I'm not sure how much orienting I received.  I was able to find my way back to my room which was a big achievement for the first day. Tomorrow will be the start of rounds at 9 am and meeting the Chief doctor for the unit.  I have my fingers crossed because I'm not sure what to expect.
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    Author

    My name is Meg and I am currently a Geriatrics and Palliative Care Fellow at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.  I started this blog several years ago as a way to remember and talk about what I experienced while studying abroad in Rwanda during the summer of 2009.

    The blog has now continued and still serves as a way to let my friends and family know what I have been up to and a way for me to open up.

    Disclaimer: The contents on this site represent my personal opinions, views, and experiences.  They do not reflect the views of my employer or sponsor program.

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